In April 2026, I had the privilege of being hosted in Türkiye by Turkish Airlines and Exsus Travel, alongside a small group of fellow travel advisors, for an unforgettable journey around Turkiye.
Our itinerary took us through the beautiful contrasts of Istanbul, the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, the coastal elegance of Izmir, and the refined charm of Bodrum. Each destination revealed a different facet of Türkiye, rich in heritage, culture, and understated luxury.
This experience moved beyond the well-known all-inclusive resorts to uncover a more authentic and nuanced side of the country. From intimate boutique stays to locally curated experiences, it was an opportunity to truly connect with the spirit of each destination.
While larger resorts undoubtedly have their appeal and place within Turkiye, what stood out most was the opportunity to experience it’s genuine character, its timeless traditions, warm hospitality, and hidden gems that elevate a trip from memorable to exceptional.
Turkish Airlines
Our trip started in Business Class from London Heathrow with Turkish Airlines. There’s no dedicated lounge at Heathrow, but you can use any of the Star Alliance lounges, we went with the United Airlines lounge, which was the perfect spot for a quick glass of fizz before boarding.
On the outbound flight, we were on one of the older aircraft, so it didn’t have the newer sleeping pods, but honestly, it was still a fantastic experience. The seats reclined fully into beds, the service was excellent, and it felt comfortable and easy from start to finish.
On the way home, we got to try the newer Business Class cabin with the pods, which definitely adds that extra level of space and privacy.
What really stood out, though, was how consistently good everything was. The Business Lounge in Istanbul is incredible (the live cooking stations are a highlight), and onboard everything from the service to the entertainment was spot on.
It’s not often you get off a flight wishing it had been longer, but this was definitely one of those times.
Istanbul
Touching down in Istanbul, we headed straight to our home for the next two nights—The Ailiee Istanbul, and it was nothing short of exceptional.
Set along the Golden Horn, this boutique property feels intimate yet indulgent, with a real focus on design and detail. It’s also a dream for food lovers, with multiple dining options that make it just as much a culinary destination as a place to stay.
During our time in the city, we experienced a selection of some of Istanbul’s most iconic hotels. Highlights included the grandeur of Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, the timeless elegance of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, and the stylish, contemporary feel of 10 Karaköy Istanbul, each offering something completely different, but equally impressive.
We were also treated to a private yacht cruise along the Bosphorus, seeing the city from the water, as well as a half-day city tour exploring its rich history and culture.
I’ll admit, I’m not usually drawn to city breaks, but Istanbul completely changed that. It’s vibrant, layered, and full of character… and somewhere I would return to in a heartbeat.
Cappadocia
From Istanbul, we flew on to Cappadocia, often referred to as the Land of Beautiful Horse and it truly lives up to its reputation. The landscapes here feel almost surreal, with dramatic rock formations and valleys that look like something from another planet. It’s genuinely breath taking.
While the famous sunrise hot air balloon experience is a highlight for many, I opted to take it all in from a viewing point instead (heights aren’t my thing!). Watching the sky fill with balloons as the sun rose was still incredibly special, and a moment I won’t forget.
We stayed at Sacred House Cappadocia, a truly unique property around 20 minutes from Göreme. This is one for you, if you are looking for something a little different, rich in character, steeped in history, and tucked away from the main tourist hub.
Every corner of the hotel tells a story, from a 500-year-old church door repurposed as a table in the bar, to one of the most atmospheric spa spaces I’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of place that’s hard to describe, you really have to experience it.
We also explored a selection of other standout properties in the region, including Avantgarde Refined Caves of Cappadocia, Taskonaklar Hotel Cappadocia, Argos in Cappadocia, and Museum Hotel Cappadocia, each offering its own take on luxury within this extraordinary setting.
Izmir
From Cappadocia, we returned briefly to Istanbul before continuing on to Izmir, often referred to as the Pearl of the West. As one of Türkiye’s largest and most important port cities, Izmir offers a different pace and feel, blending coastal charm with a rich cultural backdrop.
For our stay, we headed slightly out of the city to the stunning Key Urla Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property set within its own vineyard.
This is understated luxury at its best, peaceful, beautifully designed, and surrounded by nature. With its boutique feel, exceptional dining, and focus on local produce and wine, it’s the perfect retreat for clients looking to slow down and experience a more refined, authentic side of the region.
Bodrum
From Izmir, we made our way to Bodrum, with a stop en route at the incredible Ephesus, widely considered one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Walking through its ancient streets was a real highlight and added a deeper historical layer to the journey.
Arriving in Bodrum, we checked into METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum, a stylish and contemporary base overlooking the coast.
We also experienced some of the region’s most sought-after luxury properties, with hosted visits and meals at The Bodrum EDITION, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, and Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort—each offering a different take on high-end, modern luxury, from sleek and modern to ultra-exclusive.
Beyond the hotels, Bodrum itself has such a great energy. We explored the fabulous town centre, the historic Bodrum Castle, and spent time at the ever-glamorous Yalıkavak Marina (often dubbed the St Tropez of Türkiye) with its designer boutiques, waterfront dining, and lively atmosphere.
